Portable light holder and related methods

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for connection to a pack includes: a holder including an internal recess, the holder including at least one connector adapted for connecting an accessory to the pack; an insert for positioning in the internal recess of the holder, the insert including at least one light; and a fastener for fastening the holder to the pack.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/299,718, filed on Jan. 14, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to the art of lighting and, more particularly, to a portable light holder and related methods.

BACKGROUND

In many outdoor activities, it is desirable to wear a light to aid any observers (such as drivers, for example) in identifying the location of the wearer, especially in low-light conditions. The light may take various forms, but one common example is a beacon, which may flash to alert the observers to the wearer's location or relative position.

Aside from clothing, participants in outdoor activities also often wear packs for carrying gear, such as a backpack. Typically, backpacks do not include a ready solution for connecting such a beacon in a desirable location to ensure it will be noticed by observers. Clothing also does not provide a ready form of attachment for such a light such that it will remain readily visible to an observer, such as along a wearer's chest, upper back or arms.

It is also desirable to provide such a pack with the ability to readily accommodate accessories or gear on external portions thereof in a readily accessible manner. One example is a load rail on the rear of the pack, as described in WO2020154369A1, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. While well-suited for reliably connecting accessories, it is not readily adaptable for connecting to a beacon, and likewise, a beacon is not readily adapted for connecting accessories or gear to a pack.

Accordingly, a need is identified for a light that addresses the foregoing issues and possibly others that have yet to be discovered.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, an apparatus for connection to a pack includes: a holder including an internal recess, the holder including at least one connector adapted for connecting an accessory to the pack; an insert for positioning in the internal recess of the holder, the insert including at least one light; and a fastener for fastening the holder to the pack.

In a second aspect, an apparatus for connecting an accessory includes: a pack; and a holder including at least one light, the holder being fastened to the pack and adapted for receiving a connector for connecting the accessory to the pack.

In a third aspect, an apparatus for connection to a pack includes: a holder including an internal recess; at least one connector adapted for connecting an accessory to the pack via the holder; and an insert for positioning in the internal recess of the holder, the insert including at least one light.

In a fourth aspect, a holder for an insert including a light includes: a body including an internal recess for receiving the insert, the body including at least one opening for pushing the insert from the internal recess.

In a fifth aspect, a method of securing an accessory to a pack using a light holder, includes: fastening the light holder to the pack; and fastening a connector for securing the accessory to the light holder.

In a sixth aspect, an apparatus for providing lighting on an object, includes: a holder including an internal recess; an insert adapted for being removably positioned in the internal recess of the holder, the insert including at least one light; and a fastener for fastening the holder to the object.

In a seventh embodiment, an apparatus includes: an article of clothing including a first connector; and a light holder including a removable light, the light holder including a second connector for releasably attaching to the first connector.

These and additional features provided by the embodiments described herein will be more fully understood in view of the following detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

FIG. 1 schematically depicts a perspective view of a holder for an insert, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 2 schematically depicts a side view of the holder of FIG. 1 , according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 3 schematically depicts a bottom view of the holder of FIG. 1 , according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 4 schematically depicts a perspective view of an insert in the holder of FIG. 1 , according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 5 schematically depicts a perspective view of the insert of FIG. 4 being removed from the holder, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 6 schematically depicts a partially exploded, perspective view of the holder of FIG. 1 for fastening the holder to an object, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 7 schematically depicts a perspective view of the insert of FIG. 4 being inserted into the holder, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 8 depicts the holder and insert of FIG. 4 attached to a backpack, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 9 schematically depicts a perspective view of another holder for retaining an insert, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 10 schematically depicts a perspective view of the holder retaining the insert of FIG. 9 , according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 11 schematically depicts a partial cross-sectional side view of the holder and the insert of FIG. 9 showing an receiver and clip for attaching the insert to the holder, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and

FIG. 12 depicts the holder and insert of FIG. 9 attached to an article of clothing, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and like numerals represent like details in the various figures. Also, it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and that process or other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, where the scope of the invention may encompass more than the appended claims and their equivalents.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1-3 , which provides various views of a portable light holder 10 according to one aspect of the disclosure. The light holder 10 includes a body 11 defining an internal recess 14 for receiving a modular light, such as a beacon, and an opening 14 a at one end of the recess 14 for the modular light to be inserted into the recess 14 through, as will be outlined further in the following description. The body 11 is shown as being oblong with straight generally parallel sides and rounded ends, but may take other shapes or forms without limitation. The body 11 may be formed of a polymer material, including one having a degree of elasticity and resiliency, such as an elastomer (rubber), and thus may be considered to form a boot. The body 11 may have a degree of elasticity and resiliency that permits that body 11 to be deformed to insert and remove an insert that is press fit within the body 11 to be retained by the body 11, as will be described in greater detail below.

The body 11 may include a circumferential wall 12 having pair of sidewalls 12 a, 12 b that extend in parallel with one another, an endwall 12 c extending between the pair of sidewalls 12 a, 12 b at one end of the sidewalls 12 a, 12 b. A rear wall 12 d extends between the pair of sidewalls 12 a, 12 b at another end of the sidewalls 12 a, 12 b opposite the endwall 12 c. Each of the sidewalls 12 a, 12 b, the endwall 12 c, and the rear wall 12 d circumferentially surround the recess 14 to permit an insert to be inserted into the recess 14.

The body 11 may further include a bottom 15 coupled to a bottom of the circumferential wall 12, and a lip 17 coupled to a top of the circumferential wall 12 opposite the bottom 15 to be positioned on opposite sides of the recess 14 with the recess 14 positioned therebetween. The bottom 15 may define passages P that permit a fastener to pass therethrough and couple the body 11 to an external surface. While the body 11 is depicted having a pair of passages P, the bottom 15 may include any number of passages P for coupling the body 11 to an external surface. The passages P may include an internal receiver 12 f in the recess 14 that is sized and shaped for engaging a nut. The lip 17 may extend from the circumferential wall 12 partially into the opening 14 a to reduce a size of the opening 14 a.

The body 11 may further include one or more connectors for forming a connection. This may be in the form of a rail 16 provided along and spaced from corresponding sidewalls 12 a, 12 b of the body 11, except at the connection points, so as to form a passage G. The rails 16 may each include a central extension 16 a extending in parallel with the respective sidewalls 12 a, 12 b, and a pair of coupling portions 16 b extending between the central extension 16 a and the sidewalls 12 a, 12 b to couple the rails 16 to the sidewalls 12 a, 12 b.

A pull 18 may also be provided at the endwall 12 c of the body 11, where the pull 18 has an opening 18 a for allowing a lanyard, rope, other elongated member, carabiner, or the like to extend through the pull 18 and couple the body 11 to an external object. The endwall 12 c may be partially open, such as via opening 12 e, to the internal recess 14 that allows for a user to insert a finger or object to contact an insert within the recess 14 to assist with removing the insert from the recess 14.

Turning now to FIGS. 4 and 5 , it can be appreciated that an insert 20 may be provided for insertion in the internal recess 14 of the holder 10. The insert 20 may include, for example, a light source. The insert 20 may include a body 22 sized and shaped to fit into the recess 14 so as to create a friction fit. The body 22 may include an outer surface 24, an outer circumferential surface 22 b that circumferentially surrounds the outer surface 24.

A bumper 22 a may extend from the circumferential surface 22 b away from the outer surface 24, and may be circumferential. The bumper 22 a may be sized relative to the proportions of the opening 14 a of the recess 14 to allow the insert to be securely retained in place. The bumper 22 a may be sized greater than the opening 14 a through the lip 17 such that when the insert 20 is positioned in recess 14, the bumper 22 a contacts the lip 17 for the lip 17 to retain the insert 20 within the recess 14.

The outer surface 24 of the insert 20 may include one or more light sources. For instance, a pair of spaced LEDs 26 a, 26 b may be provided. One or both of these LEDs 26 a, 26 b may be programmed to flash in one or more colors and thus form a beacon. However, it is contemplated and possible that the insert 20 includes any operable number and type of light sources, such as light strips, that may provide continuous light, a flash or strobe, or the like.

The insert 20 may comprise a self-contained unit with a source of power. For example, the source of power may comprise a battery 28 a or a solar cell, for powering the light sources. It may also include an on/off switch 28 b that may additionally be used to alternate between light effects, such as continuous light or strobing.

As can be appreciated from FIG. 5 , the insert 20 may be fully removable from the recess 14 of the body 11. In one embodiment, this may be achieved by pulling on the pull 18 as indicated by action arrow A on the left side of FIG. 5 , which in the case of a resilient body 11 serves to loosen the insert 20 from the recess 14 by altering the size and shape of the open end. The auxiliary opening 12 e in the body 11 may then be used to push the insert 20 from the recess 14, such as by using a tool, finger, or the like to generate upward force, as indicated by action arrow B. This removability allows for the insert 20 to be readily inserted and removed from the body 11, such as for replacement or serving (e.g., changing the batteries).

Additionally, with reference to FIGS. 6-8 , it can be understood that the holder 10 may be adapted to attach to another structure, such as a pack (e.g., a backpack B, such as having a hard or rigid outer shell opposite a side including one or more straps). In the illustrated version, and with reference also to FIG. 3 , the passages P of the bottom 15 receive one or more fasteners, such as a bolt 30 and nut 32 for securing the body 11 to the pack. The fasteners may be connected to the pack via a mounting plate M forming part of the pack, and may pass through a wall thereof (which again may be a “hard” wall opposite the side including the straps in the case of a backpack). The internal receiver 12 f of the passages P are sized and shaped for engaging the nut 32, which may be hexagonal, and thus provide an engagement for allowing tightening of the bolts 30, potentially without the need for a tool. Once secured in position, the insert 20 may be located in the internal recess, and may be held in position mechanically by the holder 10, as well as by an optional releasable fastener (e.g., Velcro).

As can be appreciated from FIG. 8 , with the holder 10 secured to the pack, such as backpack B, in this manner, it may be used as a tether point for a connector, such as an elastic (i.e., bungee) cord C in the form of an endless loop. Specifically, the bungee cord C may be passed through the passage G formed by one of the connectors (rails 16) of the body 11, and may be looped around the body as well. This may be done prior to securing the holder 14 to the pack and before inserting the insert 20 therein (but of course the connection could be established by simply tying the cord C to the holder 10 in any manner).

By providing a plurality of holders 10 on the pack and, in particular, along a rear surface thereof, the cord C may be secured in place in a manner that allows for additional articles (e.g., accessories, such as tools or knives, articles of clothing, or the like) to be secured to the pack. Concurrently, the holders 10 as a result of the insert 20 including the one or more lights serves as a beacon, thereby alerting observers to the location of the user of the pack. The dual functionality thus afforded by the arrangement avoids the need for providing separate parts for achieving lighting and holding functionality for the pack, and thus facilitates ease of use and may reduce both cost and complexity.

Turning to FIGS. 9-10 , an alternative embodiment of a portable light holder 100 is provided. In this embodiment, the light holder 100 includes a body 112 having an internal recess 114 for receiving an insert or modular light 120, which may have similar structure to the insert 20 described above, which will not be described again for brevity. The body 112 is shown as being oblong with straight generally parallel sides and rounded ends. However, the body 112 may take other shapes or forms without limitation. The body 112 may be formed of a polymer material, including one having a degree of elasticity and resiliency, such as an elastomer (rubber), and thus may be considered to form a boot.

The body 112 may include a retainer, such as in the form of a clip 116 located in the internal recess 114. The clip 116 may include a plurality of deflectable arms 116 a extending from the body 112 that include tabs 116 b for engaging the insert 120. A corresponding receiver 118 may be provided on the underside of the light 120 for mating with the clip when pushed into engagement therewith so as to form a secure, but releasable connection. The receiver 118 may include a cavity 118 a formed in the insert 120 and arms 118 b that extend into the cavity 118 a for engaging with the tabs 116 b of the clip 116. The body 112 may also include a U-shaped sidewall 112 a at each end, forming an intermediate gap G between the U-shaped sidewalls 112 a for tactile engagement of the light 120, which can then be separated from the body 112 (see FIG. 9 ).

As can perhaps be best understood from FIG. 8 , the body 112 may also include a plurality of hooks 122, such as part of hook-and-loop fasteners. These hooks 122 may be integrally formed with the body 112, such as along a bottom surface thereof, by molding from a plastic material. The hooks 122 may cover the entire surface of the body or only part of it.

Thus, with reference to FIG. 12 , it can be understood that the light holder 100 may be releasably attached to a suitable connector, such as a loop patch 124 on an object to be carried or worn by a user, such as an article of clothing. This patch 124 is shown along a sleeve of the clothing article, but could be provided anywhere on the clothing, including the front or chest in the case of a shirt, or the back. It could also be provided on headwear, footwear, or any other article of clothing, or perhaps even on a pack.

In any case, it can be appreciated that the light holder 100 including the light 120 may be releasably attached to the patch 124 as desired, as well as positioned in different orientations. This portability allows for use in dark or low light conditions, when present, and removal for storage in conditions where use of the light 120 is not needed.

As noted above, the light 120 may also be provided with a trigger or on-off switch. In the illustrated example, this is in the form of a button 130 for toggling between the on and off conditions. Suitable indicia may be also be provided for indicating which position of the button 130 turns the light on or off.

The present disclosure is further defined by the following clauses:

Clause 1. An apparatus for connection to a pack, including: a holder including an internal recess, the holder including at least one connector adapted for connecting an accessory to the pack; an insert for positioning in the internal recess of the holder, the insert including at least one light; a fastener for fastening the holder to the pack.

Clause 2. The apparatus according to clause 1, wherein the holder includes an opening adapted for pushing the insert from the internal recess of the holder.

Clause 3. The apparatus according to clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the fastener includes a bolt and nut.

Clause 4. The apparatus according to any of clauses 1-3, wherein the holder includes a passage for receiving the fastener.

Clause 5. The apparatus according to any of clauses 1-4, wherein the connector includes a rail spaced from a body of the holder.

Clause 6. The apparatus according to any of clauses 1-5, further including a pull located on an endwall of the holder.

Clause 7. The apparatus according to any of clauses 1-6, wherein the insert includes at least one flashing light forming a beacon.

Clause 8. A pack including the apparatus of any of clauses 1-7.

Clause 9. An apparatus for connecting an accessory, including: a pack; a holder including at least one light, the holder being fastened to the pack and adapted for receiving a connector for connecting the accessory to the pack.

Clause 10. The apparatus according to clause 9, further including a fastener for fastening the holder to the pack.

Clause 11. The apparatus according to clause 9 or clause 10, wherein the fastener includes a bolt for passing through the pack and a passage of the holder.

Clause 12. The apparatus according to any of clauses 9-11, further including a mounting plate on the pack for receiving the fastener.

Clause 13. The apparatus according to any of clauses 9-12, wherein the connector includes an elastic cord and the holder includes a passage for receiving the elastic cord.

Clause 14. The apparatus according to any of clauses 9-12, wherein the holder includes a plurality of holders, each including at least one light.

Clause 15. An apparatus for connection to a pack, including: a holder including an internal recess; at least one connector adapted for connecting an accessory to the pack via the holder; and an insert for positioning in the internal recess of the holder, the insert including at least one light.

Clause 16. A pack including the apparatus according to clause 15.

Clause 17. A holder for an insert including a light, including: a body including an internal recess for receiving the insert, the body including at least one opening for pushing the insert from the internal recess.

Clause 18. The holder according to clause 17, wherein the body includes one or more rails spaced from the body and forming a passage.

Clause 19. A method of securing an accessory to a pack using a light holder, including: fastening the light holder to the pack; and fastening a connector for securing the accessory to the light holder.

Clause 20. The method according to clause 19, wherein the step of fastening the light holder to the pack includes passing the fastener through the pack.

Clause 21. The method according to clause 19 or clause 20, wherein the step of fastening the connector to the light holder includes connecting a cord to a rail of the light holder.

Clause 22 An apparatus for providing lighting on an object, including: a holder including an internal recess; an insert adapted for being removably positioned in the internal recess of the holder, the insert including at least one light; and a fastener for fastening the holder to the object.

Clause 23. The apparatus according to clause 22, wherein the internal recess includes a connector for connecting with the insert.

Clause 24. The apparatus according to clause 22 or clause 23, wherein the fastener includes a plurality of hooks integrally formed on a surface of the holder.

Clause 25. An article of clothing adapted for connecting with the plurality of hooks.

Clause 26. An apparatus, including: an article of clothing including a first connector; and a light holder including a removable light, the light holder including a second connector for releasably attaching to the first connector.

Clause 27. The apparatus according to clause 26, wherein the article of clothing includes a shirt, the first connector includes a patch on the shirt, and the second connector includes a plurality of hooks integrally formed on the light holder.

Clause 28. The apparatus according to clause 26 or clause 27, wherein the light holder includes a connector for releasably connecting with the removable light.

As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

“A”, “an”, and “the” as used herein refers to both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, “a compartment” refers to one or more than one compartment.

“About,” “substantially,” or “approximately,” as used herein referring to a measurable value, such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of +/−20% or less, including +/−10% or less, +/−5% or less, +/−1% or less, and +/−0.1% or less of and from the specified value, in so far such variations are appropriate to perform in the disclosed invention. However, it is to be understood that the value to which the modifier “about” refers is itself also specifically disclosed.

“Comprise”, “comprising”, and “comprises” and “comprised of” as used herein are synonymous with “include”, “including”, “includes” or “contain”, “containing”, “contains” and are inclusive or open-ended terms that specifies the presence of what follows e.g. component and do not exclude or preclude the presence of additional, non-recited components, features, element, members, steps, known in the art or disclosed therein.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it embraces all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the appended claims' spirit and scope. All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, the identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for connection to an object for being worn or carried by a user, comprising: a holder including an internal recess, the holder including at least one connector adapted for connecting an accessory to the object; an insert for positioning in the internal recess of the holder, the insert including at least one light; and a fastener for fastening the holder to the object.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the holder includes an opening adapted for pushing the insert from the internal recess of the holder.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises a bolt and nut.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the holder includes a passage for receiving the fastener.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one connector comprises a rail spaced from a body of the holder.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a pull located on an endwall of the holder.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one light is adapted for flashing to form a beacon.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the internal recess includes a connector for connecting with the insert.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises a plurality of hooks integrally formed on a surface of the holder.
 10. An article of clothing adapted for connecting with the plurality of hooks according to the apparatus of claim
 9. 11. A pack including the apparatus of claim
 1. 12. An apparatus for connecting an accessory, comprising: a pack; a holder including at least one light, the holder being fastened to the pack and adapted for receiving a connector for connecting the accessory to the pack.
 13. The apparatus according to claim 12, further including a fastener for fastening the holder to the pack.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the fastener comprises a bolt for passing through the pack and a passage of the holder.
 15. The apparatus of claim 12, further including a mounting plate on the pack for receiving the fastener.
 16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the connector comprises an elastic cord and the holder includes a passage for receiving the elastic cord.
 17. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the pack comprises a plurality of holders, each including at least one light.
 18. A method of securing an accessory to a pack using a light holder, comprising: fastening the light holder to the pack; and fastening a connector for securing the accessory to the light holder.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of fastening the light holder to the pack comprises passing the fastener through the pack.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of fastening the connector to the light holder comprises connecting a cord to a rail of the light holder. 